Legal THC level in cannabis to rise

by Sam Douglass

With crossover week fully behind us, lawmakers begin the work of finalizing the bills that passed successfully from policy committees by the deadline. The following bills are some of the bills that made the deadline and are set to be voted on by the full Senate this week. 

S. 189 An approval process for reducing or eliminating hospital services (Health and Welfare) 

Introduced by Sen. Virgina Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast), this bill adjusts the process for the elimination or reduction of services by requiring hospitals to notify the local community and area lawmakers, and to hold public meetings for engagement and feedback from the affected community. 

S. 323 Miscellaneous agricultural subjects 

This bill, introduced by the Senate Agriculture Committee, makes numerous changes to the state’s laws regarding agricultural practices. Most notable is the change to municipal zoning which prohibits municipalities from passing ordinances against gardening and backyard flocks of chicken. The bill also establishes numerous legal definitions for agriculture and creates a Farmer Credit program to provide loans for farmers who are, “not having their credit needs fully met by conventional agricultural credit sources at reasonable rates and terms.” 

S. 26 Prohibiting certain artificial dyes in foods and beverages served or sold at school (Health and Welfare) 

Introduced by Sen. Virgina Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast), this bill prohibits schools from serving or selling foods and beverages that contain a myriad of artificial dyes. The bill also establishes reporting procedures and oversight to ensure compliance. 

S. 142 A pathway to licensure for internationally trained physicians and medical graduates (Health and Welfare) 

Introduced by Sen. Wendy Harrison (D-Windham), this bill creates a pathway for physicians in other countries to practice medicine in Vermont through the issuance of provisional licenses. The bill requires that those physicians are sufficiently educated and have practiced medicine in their home country. 

S. 190 The Green Mountain Care Board, reference-based pricing, and hospital outsourcing of clinical care (Health and Welfare) 

Introduced by Sen. Virgina Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast), this bill implements a system of reference based pricing and limits the amount of money that hospitals can be reimbursed for

individual health plans and small businesses. According to the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, the Green Mountain Care Board estimates that this change will impact hospitals by $50 million. 

S. 193 Establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons (Judiciary) 

Introduced by Sen. Virgina Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast), this bill creates a legal framework for the creation of forensic facilities in Vermont intended for offenders with life sentences or mental health conditions that impact competency to stand trial. The bill requires substantial services to be provided at the facilities to assist offenders in regaining competency. 

S. 219 An energy navigator program report (Natural Resources and Energy) 

Introduced by Sen. Ruth Hardy (D-Addison), this bill directs the Vermont Department of Public Service to hire a consultant to design a statewide, community-based home energy coaching program. The program will help residents—including homeowners, renters, and landlords—understand energy efficiency and clean energy options, and provide guidance on grants, rebates, and financing. 

It will be developed in collaboration with state agencies, utility companies, and community organizations, and will be funded through state support, grants, and private partnerships. 

S. 278 Cannabis (Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs) 

Introduced by Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden Southeast), this bill raises the legal amount of THC in cannabis products for sale and raises the amount of cannabis that can be sold from a retailer in a single transaction. The bill also creates a cannabis event permit that can be applied for by retailers. 

S. 291 Travel disclosures for legislators and certain executive officers (Government Operations) 

Introduced by Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky (P-Chittenden Central) in response to a legislative trip taken by legislators to Israel this past year, this bill requires lawmakers to file disclosures of travel and expenses in official capacities, including the purpose, itinerary, costs, and who paid for them. Disclosures must also cover expenses for accompanying staff or immediate family and be filed within 30 days of the trip.

Exceptions apply for travel fully paid by the lawmaker, the state, or the federal government, as well as small-value expenses. Officials must also file additional disclosures if legislative issues involving a travel sponsor come before them within six months.